The Saskatchewan Anglican, March 2010

March, 2010

Do you believe?

A Section of Anglican Journal

St. Luke parishioner runs in torch relay

by Kim Smith REGINA Ever since the Olympic Committee announced that Canada would be hosting the games, we have heard the commercials regarding the torch and winning a gold medal on our home soil. All of the commercials ask "Do you believe?"

In May 2009, Hudson's Bay Company, a major sponsor, sent a callout to their employees giving them an opportunity to become a torchbearer for the 2010 Olympics. In order to be selected, the employee had to write why they would be considered a good candidate and submit a 150 word essay. For a few weeks, I thought "Why bother? There will be lots of entries and someone else will get it anyway." Then as the deadline drew closer and I heard that not many had entered, obviously thinking the same thing I had, I took my chance. The following is my entry: "A few years ago I had a chance to hear Olympic Gold Medalist curler Joan McCusker speak. She invited a few of us on the stage and when she placed her gold medal around my neck, it was an awe-inspiring feeling to know I was in the presence of the best in the world. Her gold medal embodied dedication, hard work, Canadian pride and a realization of what each athlete gives up in order to pursue a dream. It inspired me to complete two half marathons since then. During the last winter games, I rushed to update our store's medal boards and participated in the wheelchair race we had as an Olympic kickoff. Carrying the torch would combine my love of Canada, a lifelong participation in sports and a pride in working for Hudson's Bay Company which has overcome its own challenges and endured for over 300 years."

Then came the practice of the virtue of patience - never my strong suit. It was not until I opened my e-mail one day in late July that I learned I had been preselected and needed to pass security checks

before being finalized as a torchbearer.

That information was quickly sent in and another three weeks passed before the great day came. An e-mail with congratulations - in fact three e-mails from different people in the company - told me I had been chosen as a torchbearer. In my excitement I was jumping up and down in the pharmacy. A subsequent request for sizing for my track suit was answered quickly. The idea of carrying the torch still seemed unreal. It was so far away, a day in January 2010.

But as time passed and I started practising my running and carrying a five pound weight in my hand (the torch itself would only be 3.5 pounds), by November I found I was doing a countdown of my own. The days during Christmas sped by and soon the week of the run was here.

Nerves started to set in - one morning at 1:30 a.m. I found myself on the treadmill just trying to expend some energy!

The week leading up to the run was very cold and led to worries about how to dress and falling on slippery streets with the torch in hand. By Saturday, January 9, there were no more worries as the day dawned bright and warmed with each passing hour. Once again the excitement started to get the best of me and I found myself dressing early and heading down to the Lawson Fieldhouse to check in and meet with the other torchbearers.

The place was a madhouse with people roaming about, taking in the arranged events. The torchbearers were to gather in one room for a briefing first and then we could have some time to mingle.

In the 20 minutes between the briefing and before lining up for pictures in front of our bus, I set out in search of a drink of water. This doesn't sound hard, but we made our way through the crowds only to be hijacked. My friend Crystal, who works with me and who also was a torchbearer, and I were asked to stop and take a picture with the Chief of Police and the Fire Chief. We stopped but suddenly

Moosomin Sunday School Raises Money for Haiti

one of the people in charge of the area started calling out: "Come and get your picture taken with a torchbearer!" It became a whirlwind of people posing quickly in front of us and then letting others take their turn. Finally I had to tell them we had to leave or miss the bus!

The bus ride itself was terrific.

Each torchbearer was invited to tell the story of who they were and how they had been chosen. As we rode closer to Victoria Avenue and Park Street, we could see traffic starting to backup and people lining the sidewalks. My heart was pumping so fast.

The time was NOW! The bus moved forward, dropping each of us at our checkpoint and moving on. I was to start about two blocks east of Arcola Avenue. At the checkpoint, an Olympic committee member checked the torch and then lined me up in the street ready to receive the flame. I turned and saw the second runner advancing towards me, and stood to the left and held the torch high, ready to receive the flame. We touched torches to pass the flame, slapped a high five with our hands and I was off!

No fears about slipping and falling, I wasn't even sure my feet were on the ground. I was screaming and waving and had taken 10 or 15 strides before I realized the RCMP officers were on either side running with me like they were supposed to be. I could hear people screaming and see them waving back. A few chanted the "Eh Oh Canada Go" as I passed.

Picture flashes punctuated the darkness and I could see people smiling and a few waved Canadian flags. The adrenaline had me in overdrive and I'm sure I could have run forever.

As I approached the next checkpoint, Crystal stood in the road, ready for me. We held our torches high and again passed the flame. High fives, some whooping and a huge hug later, she was on her way. More cameras flashed as friends and co-workers at the checkpoint waved and called my name. Then the

photo - Mike Weese

Kim Smith, of St. Luke's Regina, waves to the crowd as she runs with the Olympic torch in east Regina.

torch was turned off and soon the bus came to pick me up.

Unbelievable. Amazing. My heart felt so big. It had really happened. I closed my eyes for a moment to thank God for all my blessings - running with the torch, my family and friends who had supported me, a chance at a wonderful experience. I could feel tears threatening to come.

In the bus on the way back to the Lawson, I made sure to wave at the people gathered to watch and still hold the torch high while in the bus. On the grounds, many wanted to come up and hold the torch or have a picture taken with me or to ask questions. I was glad to share the experience with everyone. A reporter stopped me to ask questions and I found out a couple of days later that I had made it into the Regina Leader Post. That Saturday night was fantastic. Since then I have taken the torch several places for others to hold and enjoy. The torch will be hung on a special place on my wall along with clippings and pictures that others have given to me.

I have learned from this experience. We need to ask ourselves, will someone else do it? If we stand by and just wait, will someone carry the torch and pass on the flame that shines and unites us? I was blessed to be chosen for this honour. And pass the light I will. Do you believe? I do.

Primate to Visit Diocese of Qu'Appelle, March 25 to 27 Friday, March 26 - Gordon's First Nation - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The celebration will begin with a service at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at the New Gym at the school. People from nearby church communities are invited to the celebration with Archbishop Fred Hiltz. Please contact Rev. Dale Gillman if you plan to attend (306-835-2845).

Saturday, March 27 - Diocesan Prayer Breakfast - 9 a.m.

photo - Marie Everett

The children of St. Alban's Sunday School sold toys and cookies on January 23, raising $150 which was sent to PWRDF for Haiti relief work.

Join the Primate at the Diocesan Prayer Breakfast at All Saints Church, 142 Massey Road, Regina. The Primate will be speaking about "Christ's Mission in the Canadian Context," followed by questions and answers. The morning will conclude with Eucharist at 11 a.m. The cost is $7.00 per person, teens welcome. Please register

by March 22, by calling 306-586-4420, or e-mail allsaints@sasktel.net.

2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, March, 2010

Bishop’s Message

file photo

The Venerable David Irving, Bishop-elect of Saskatoon

A Journey Just Begun

By The Venerable David Irving, Bishop-elect of Saskatoon As I started to think about this article I was very conscious of the fact that a new journey was beginning, a new ministry lies ahead for me and how grateful I am to God and the people of the Diocese of Saskatoon for calling me to this new place. I am also conscious of the fact that I am writing this column before my ordination as bishop and before arriving to be with you in the diocese although I already feel welcomed. I want to thank you for the many cards, phone calls and email messages that my wife and I have received over the last few weeks, your words and prayers have been a great strength to us both in this time of transition, we are deeply grateful.

be made and we realize that it may be several months before our home in the Okanagan sells and we are able to purchase a new home. However, we are grateful the journey has begun and we look forward to being with you in March so that we may begin a new stage in our life in the Diocese of Saskatoon.

Joan and I are not the only people on a journey, we are in Lent and we are all journeying together from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Originally Lent marked the period we now know as Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Day. Its chief purpose was to provide a final examination of catechumens before their initiation at the Easter Vigil and to encourage a week of fasting in recognition of Jesus' Passion before emerging into the feasting that accompanied Easter. Over time Lent itself was lengthened to 40 days, this symbolized the 40 years of journeying in the desert by the people of Israel, and the forty days of Jesus' fasting and temptation in the wilderness after his baptism. It was preceded by “Fat Tuesday” (Shrove Tuesday) when people celebrated by eating and drinking before entering the Lenten fast. fortunately, like many things, Lent has tended to become trivialized. We may choose to give up something for Lent, or we may choose to attend the special Lenten study our parish has provided, but for most of us the forty days of Lent are confined to more somber colours and less lively music.

However, Lent can be a time for us to practice more seriously our understanding of faith as a journey. That our faith, like life itself, is a pilgrimage full of twists and turns.

Touchwood Healing and Resource Centre Opens

by Rev. Dale Gillman GORDON'S FIRST NATION (Qu'A) On January 11, Rev. Dale Gillman opened a healing centre for pastoral counselling on Gordon's First Nation. The work is faith-based and will link with the existing programs and resources in the community to provide complete services for the clients.

This is mission and ministry in action for the Diocese of Qu' Appelle. The Anglican Healing Fund has provided funding for programs and ministry. There is a board of directors in place to guide and govern the ministry. The Board of Directors are: Darwin Blind, Family Support Worker; Donna Anderson-Blind, Councillor; Elder Frank Cyr and Rev. Dale Gillman.

The Native Ministry Team for the Diocese will be part of the spiritual oversight of this ministry. The team consists of Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson, Archdeacon Rob Hardwick, Diocesan Elder Rev. Arthur Anderson, Rev. Vicki Young and Rev. Dale Gillman.

Some of the ministry planned include women's Bible study, training and workshops that are faith building, women's sing-along time and after-school story-telling with children. The ministry will evolve as the Lord guides us in this work. We believe we are meeting a need in the community that will build and nourish faith.

The ministry is incorporated under Nehiyawe Pastoral Counselling Inc. and should receive its charitable tax number in the near future. For further information contact Rev. Dale (306-835-7876), e-mail: d.gillman@sasktel.net Please keep this ministry in your prayers. As the work progresses I will give updates.

For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates contact: your parish, circulation@national.anglican.ca or send to Saskatchewan Anglican c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street Toronto ON M4Y 3G2 Published by the dioceses of Qu’Appelle, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.

All submissions must be sent to the Associate Editors by the beginning of the last week of the month preceeding publication.

Diocese of Saskatoon: Announcements for March, 2010 In order to be included in a timely manner brief notices for events should be supplied to the Associate Editor by Fax, e-mail or “snail mail” by the last week of the month, two months before the month in which the insertion is desired (for example, September submissions will be in the November issue). Detailed and longer texts of events will not be included in this section but, should space allow, could be the subject of additional articles or notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican.

Installation Service of the New Bishop of the Diocese of Saskatoon: The Service of Installation and Consecration Service of Bishop-elect, David Irving, for the Diocese of Saskatoon will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, March 1st, 2010 at the Cathedral Parish of St. John the Evangelist in Saskatoon. All who attend the Installation and Consecration Service are invited to the Parktown Hotel afterwards for a reception and the opportunity to meet and welcome Bishop Irving and his wife, Joan.

Christians In The Modern World: The final of a series of presentations and discussions will be held in the hall of All Saints' Anglican Church, 1801 Lorne Ave., Saskatoon at 7.30 p.m.: March 10th, entitled "Just War and Modern War.", by Ruth and Walter Klaassen.

“East Meets West” “Drawing on the Gospel”: an opportunity for cross-town fellowship, food worship and study as folks from St. Matthew's, Sutherland (the “East”) and Christ Church, Caswell (the “West”) get together on Wednesdays for “Drawing on the Gospel”. Each evening begins with a pot-luck supper at 6 p.m., followed by a sung, contemporary setting of Evening Prayer at 7 p.m.; then an opportunity to study the upcoming Gospel lections by cartooning the texts. This popular study method does not require that you draw! Currently, the program is happening at St. Matthew's (Corner of Egbert Ave. and 109th St.) but will be periodically alternating to Christ Church. Please call either church for information; Christ Church at: 242-0165 or St. Matthew's at: 374-8808.

Integrity/Saskatoon: Meetings are held at St. James', Saskatoon on the second Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. The regular meetings include a talking circle and Eucharist with fellowship to follow; babysitting is available during meetings for those with children. For more information contact the Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin at: (306) 948-3460 or: benjie60@gmail.com. For further information and to view related articles, links and photographs of Integrity events: www.integritysaskatoon.blogspot.com.

Saskatoon Native Ministry: Meetings are held every second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. A Sacred Circle Worship is held Sunday at 4 p.m.; worship is followed by a community meal at 5 p.m. All events are held at: St. Thomas Wesley United Church, 808 20th St.. For information call: 244-1381 or E-mail: snm@sasktel.net.

2010 Cursillo Weekend: The Saskatoon Diocese Cursillo Secretariat has scheduled the next Co-ed Cursillo Weekend for: Thursday evening, March 4th through to Sunday afternoon, March 7th, 2010, at St. Peter's Abbey, Muenster. For applications or more information please contact: Austin King (306 933-4007 or email a.king@sasktel.net); Gwendolyn Gresham, Weekend Lay Director (306-649-3448; email matumaini5@gmail.com); the Reverend Karen Sandell (306 652-6169); the Venerable Richard Spencer, Weekend Spiritual Director (306 649-3448); or, Shannon Martin, Cursillo Weekend Registrar (306 934-8056). Applications are also available through the Synod Office or parish clergy. To confirm dates and times for monthly Ultreys please contact Austin King or Loretta Hartsook (306 934-2520).

APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATIONS ETC: The Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Biggar, has been appointed Rector of St. George's Church, Saskatoon. Ann Marie is also Chaplain of Integrity and is a member of several diocesan committees.

The Diocese of Saskatchewan is planning a Back to Church Sunday in the coming months. Stay tuned for more info!

Managing Editor: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: skeditor@yahoo.ca Qu’Appelle: Joanne Shurvin-Martin, 6927 Farrell Bay Regina SK S4X 3V4 Phone: 306-775-2629 Email: wsmartin@accesscomm.ca Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Saskatchewan: The Reverends Julie and Steven Page, P.O. Box 274, Hudson Bay, SK, S0E 0Y0P Phone (306) 865-3488; Email: HudsonBayArborfield@SaskTel.net

Published monthly except July and August Published from 51 - 10th Street NE, Weyburn SK S4H 1G8 Printed and mailed from Signal Star Publishing A division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Goderich ON N7A 4B6 Subscription rate: $10.00 in Canada; $17.00 outside Canada Whole No. 292, Vol. 33, No. 5 A Section of Anglican Journal

The Saskatchewan Anglican, March, 2010

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Mary Fidlar of St. Luke, Regina Recognized for a Half-Century of Choir Service

by Nigel Salway

photo - Nigel Salway

Mary Fidlar (centre of the front row) is honoured for 50 year of service to the St. Luke's choir. (back row l to r) Deacon Susan Page, Joan Finn, Harry Clarke, Cathryn Craik, Conway Crozier-Smith, Fran Clarke, Jim Christopher, Father Derek Nicholls. (front row) Margaret Nicholls, Mary Fidlar, Pat Kohli.

Christopher Lake parish drama ministry expands by the Reverend Tracey Lloyd Smith CHRISTOPHER LAKE (Saskatchewan) It all began about three years ago, when the Ways and Means Committee, chaired

by Les Martin, approached their priest about doing a Dinner Theatre at Christopher Lake's Anglican Church.

Several parishioners enthusiastically opted in to perform several plays, mostly one-act comedies. Every one had a Christian message and was directed by either the Reverend Tracey Lloyd Smith or capable parishioners Ruby Thornton and Birdie Herriot. The actors worked hard on lines, characterizations and staging the plays. Their tremendous work paid off, not only blessing the audiences at the lake several times over a variety of dinner and dessert shows, but also having the actors literally “entertain” special requests and perform the plays at some of the correctional facilities nearby.

“I think our actors truly see this as their ministry,” commended Ms. Lloyd Smith.

“Their commitment to developing rich characters and performing high-quality theatre is very evident, and I'm really

proud of them all!” Ms. Lloyd Smith used to perform full-time with a Christian repertory theatre based in Los Angeles and still encourages the use of drama as a rich means of sharing the Gospel of Christ.

They have had special requests to minister at the Women's Correctional Facility in Prince Albert and have done three one-act presentations for them. The response was phenomenal and you could have heard a pin drop; those gals were riveted to the story lines. The players performed two back-to-back shows at each visit, and after the shows, at the chaplain's suggestion, gave an invitation to the women to follow Christ.

Most recently, in December, our church was visited by Penitentiary Chaplain Joanne Beacon, who invited us to consider expanding our ministry further and visiting the “max” with her. We put the question to the players and received an overwhelming yes, to go and perform there in the New Year. Other parishioners have also volunteered to be lay readers and assistants, helping with those services in other meaningful ways. We look forward to seeing how God will use this ministry in the future.

REGINA - On December 20, Mary Fidlar was recognized for the 50 years of service she has given to choral music at St. Luke's Church. At the conclusion of the service, the choir joined Mary, Father Derek Nicholls and Deacon Susan Page at the front of the church.

Speaking on behalf of the choir and the congregation, Margaret Nicholls spoke to the congregation of Mary's history: “Mary's mother and father lived in Robsart, close to Maple Creek, but they travelled to Regina for the birth of their first child, Mary. Five years later, the family built a house in Regina on Hill Ave, two blocks west of Albert Street, moving in when it was complete. Mary lives in that house today. Mary attended Lakeview School for the primary grades and Central Collegiate for high school, followed by Balfour and the Reliance School of Business for shorthand training.

"Throughout these school years, music played a big part in her life. She studied piano and singing and enjoyed both. In recent years, she was given singing lessons

by Kathy Watt. When she completed her business training she obtained permanent government employment at the DVA office in Regina. She retired in 1980.

"She was always an Anglican and in 1959 eagerly joined the choir of the new parish, St. Luke's. Services were at first held in the present church hall, while the new church was being built. There were over 20 members in the choir at that time, led by Joan Brackenbridge. Mary sang alto, but could sing soprano if needed. Anyone who sang in the choir with Mary will remember her as being a regular attendee, a wonderful singer and a good friend. We in the choir remember what a great host she was when she invited us all to her home in the Christmas season to sample some of her cooking. "Mary, we want you to know today what an important member you are in the St. Luke's congregation and especially thank you for the valuable music ministry role you have played in the our church for 50 years."

Mary was presented with flowers, a cross and a card signed by the parishioners.

The congregation then gave Mary a warm round of applause. Mary's acknowledged the congregation's gifts, saying, “Choral music is rewarding. As I remember, Jim Dalton urged me to help out in St. Luke's choir. Whether employed during the day, or not, the evening of practice sets us up for the Sunday service. There were memorable occasions when we joined with other choirs to sing our hymns of faith."

Mary concluded, "Being a part of the St. Luke's choir gave me a genuine interest in the music; a chance to put to music a Christian life. To sing our beautiful hymns was a reminder of the life I promised to live as a confirmed Anglican."

Photo contributed

The actors, without their theatrical make-up!

Happy 90th Birthday, Rev. Douglas Brewer

by Rev. David Nevett the Rev. Douglas Brewer was born on Jauary 14, 1920 on the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel and came to Canada at the age of eight. He has served as a Priest in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle for more than 50 years and at the age of 90 is still conducting occasinal church services. He is a veteran of WWII where he saw duty in Germany and the liberation of Holland. In his retireent, he attributes his good health ane long life to the fact that he dances at least once a week.

Photo contributed Photo-David Nevett

Pokeweed and Mrs. Gasp - a one-act play on forgiveness and new life in Christ.

Performers: Birdie Herriot and Ruby Thornton.

The Reverend Douglas Brewer cuts the cake at the celebratin of his 90th birthday which was attended by more than 100 people at Assiniboia recently.

4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, March, 2010

St. Timothy Anglican Church, Saskatoon in New Home Harold Percy Conference in late October was strongly encouraged.

“The journey with God 3. Town Hall Meetings: requires the courage to Facilitated by the let go, reach forward, Reverend Anne Marie and grow in trust and Nicklin, these meetings grace.”

(Doug were scripture-based, Anderson) interesting and informative and challenged par“What do we REALLY ticipants to think “outside need as tools, to do the box”. The first meetChrist's ministry?” This ing looked at St. question echoed in the Timothy's parish - who we minds of members of St. were, who we are now, Timothy's Anglican what is important to keep Church as they prepared and what can be left for their September behind. The second meet12th, 2009 Garage Sale. ing looked at the church While Garage Sales hapin the post-modern era: pened frequently over what message does the the 53-year history of St. church give to the public?

Photo -- James David Timothy's Anglican What have we learned Church, at 2101 St. Timothy's Anglican Church, Saskatoon, Congregation and Guests at the August 29, 2009 Celebration. The from our experience?

Lansdowne Avenue, Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon (center) is accompanied by the Venerable Larry Mitchell How can we change to be Saskatoon, this one was (left) and Michael Mudrey, Head Sidesperson and Crucifer (right). more relevant? In the different; we were movthird meeting we dising. Every cupboard had to be On August 29th, 2009, many parish, that includes some 180 ciples: the theory of transition; cussed how we use God's gifts opened, the contents sorted and friends, neighbours and family families with roots in Iraq, con- the importance of relationship daily in a secular world. St. analyzed. So the question truly members joined St. Timothy's secrated its new church on building; and the need for self- Timothy's parish will need a new was, “what did we REALLY parish for an Evening of November 15th in a “celebration care. Thank you to the Rev. Alex vision. What process would best Celebration and bursting with joy”. Our wardens Parsons and the Rev. John Seib need to continue on as Christ's Worship, bring about change? What will The evening and parish priest were invited to for developing and leading us in church?” An interesting question Thanksgiving. the new parish look like? Are we included a wonderful dinner, attend this celebration as guests this mini-course. for any church! ready to reach out and use our Moving from a facility which has slide presentation, entertainment, of the parish. It was comforting Session No. 1 dealt with exit gifts to the glory of God? been your church home for 53 dessert, group photos, reminisc- and exciting to know that the (past) and entrance into (new) Many thanks to the Rev. Ann years is as wrenching, and simi- ing and worship. Reality hit on beloved facility we had called patterns. Emphasis was placed Marie Nicklin for leading us so lar, to moving from a home you September 29th when Bishop our church home for so many on the importance of letting go of capably through the Town Hall have lived in for 53 years, and, Rodney Andrews presided in our years was feeling the birth of a the past, facing the emotions Meetings. surprise, churches also collect last service of worship at 2101 new Christian community within arising from transition, learning The task now is to engage parishhow to build on the best of the STUFF. As cupboard doors Lansdowne Avenue, and our its walls. ioners in developing a vision and creaked open, one could hear, church facility was deconsecrat- Effective November 1st, 2009, past, acknowledging all that was identifying what projects may the people of St. Timothy's helpful in transition, and making “oh, remember that!”; “I haven't ed. fulfill that vision. seen that in years!”; or “look at While all this was going on, the parish began worshipping and sure to “tie up loose ends”.

The ministry of St. Timothy's the dust!”. Each item echoed wardens were busy tending to the meeting at their new, shared Session No. 2 explored change. carries on.

What about our with a memory; and each memo- sale of the property and facility church home at Augustana Were we ready to change? What future? We firmly believe that Church, 1201 conditions contribute to positive ry evoked an emotion. There (as of October 8th, 2009), and a Lutheran the future of St. Timothy's were memories of great FEL- “Future Direction Committee” Broadway Avenue (Augustana is change? What impact will parish, or for that matter, any LOWSHIP AND LAUGHTER ; was trying to determine future a member congregation of the change have upon us, and how other Anglican church in our dioGREAT MUSIC from the choir, options for the parish. Offers of Evangelical Lutheran Church of can we manage our responses to cese, is in God's hands. If we with Les Pope at the organ; hospitality were coming in from Canada that is in full communion change? We looked at identify- truly believe that: “OUR Anglican parishes with the Anglican Church of ing the characteristics of leaderEXCEPTIONAL FOOD served several HANDS ARE THE LIVING at teas, anniversaries, special throughout the city, plus our sis- Canada). Pastor David Hunter ship that would be helpful in HANDS OF CHRIST”, then the suppers (including Christmas ter church, Augustana Lutheran and members of Augustana have leading planned change; how future of Christ's church anypuddings); COMPASSIONATE Church. Where was God calling been most accommodating and best to communicate the notion where relies upon the ability of HEARTS sharing tears and hugs the parish? In mid-September welcoming. Services for St. of 'new' beginnings and build a each one of us to remain Christ“Future Direction Timothy's parish are held at 9:00 new structure; and how to keep at funerals, and HEARTFELT the focused, so our hearts can motiPRAYERS to comfort and heal; Committee” recommended to a.m. Sunday mornings; services the momentum for change going. vate our hands to continue to be BEAUTIFUL FLORAL vestry that St. Timothy's for Augustana are held at 10:45 Session No. 3 introduced plan- the living hands of Christ. May ACCENTS made possible by Anglican Church accept the offer a.m. Over the season of Advent ning for effective ministry, that be so. generous local florists and talent- of Augustana Lutheran Church to and Christmas, we shared togeth- visioning, and mission and goal Special thanks to our church Congregations go ed Altar Guild members; SPE- worship in their facility as of er in the very meaningful setting. wardens, Ruth and Bernie Zuk, Lutheran Advent Service of through cycles of growth and CIAL SPIRITUAL ENRICH- November 1st, 2009.

Jim Sharp, and Cathy Tickner, and Lessons on reduced activity. Clarifying our MENT through the Alpha, For the month of October mem- Carols Merce Montgomery, chair of the STACE (St. Timothy's Adult bers of St. Timothy's parish were November 29th, and the mission for ourselves, and “Future Direction's Committee”, Christian Education) and other invited to worship either at St. Anglican Service of Carols and visioning what we would look Pat Blakley, chair of the “Fresh study groups; SPECIAL 'FOOD Stephen's Anglican Church or a Lessons on December 27th, and like if we lived up to our mission Start Implementation FOR THE JOURNEY' FROM church of their choice. The we look forward to working statement, is essential in helping Committee” and all committee us set realistic goals. A particiSERVICES not only at the church office moved downtown together in the future. members.

A “Fresh Start patory process is essential church's high feasts, but every to share space in the Synod “So often, spiritual vitality Sunday throughout the year; office. Joan Vanderloos contin- Implementation Committee” was because people support what comes when we are able to CHILDREN AND YOUNG ued on in her role as our secre- formed to help implement the they help to create. Flexibility in change our focus in life, or perPEOPLE growing spiritually tary and the Venerable Larry timeline of activities recom- setting long or short-term goals haps come to recognize that there through varied Church School Mitchell was commissioned as mended by the “Future Direction leaves room to respond to exten- is a higher power that can lift us circumstances. and youth programs; and OUT- priest in charge of the parish Committee”. These activities uating up, fill us with purpose, and Throughout the process we need REACH afforded through many until June 30th, 2010. Some included: enable us to change and grow 1.

THE FRESH START to remember who we are, who activities, including the Nu-2-U members chose at this time to into goodness.” (Todd Outcalt) Clothing Boutique.

St. become part of other Anglican PROGRAM: This program is our neighbours are, and, most offered to congregations in tran- mportantly, where Christ has Timothy's was a parish rich in parishes. 'doing' ministry, carried out in a As of October 1, 2009 our sition, and is intended to be part been visible in our recent past facility at 2101 of the diocese's wellness initia- and where He is now for us. spirit of fellowship, in St. church Timothy's style, to the glory of Lansdowne Avenue, was sold to tive; the church working together “The human mind plans the way, God, and the furtherance of His the Sacred Heart Chaldean to be healthy and thriving. Fresh but the Lord directs the steps”.

2.

Attendance at the Catholic Church. Sacred Heart Start is based on three key prin kingdom. It was all there!

By Marion G. Pope

Prayer in Our Traditions a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Event The Saskatchewan Anglican, March, 2010

Reflections on Christian unity

by The Reverend Rob Stringer Priest-in-Charge of Meadow Lake, Loon Lake and the Fort Pitt Mission Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, Diocese of Saskatchewan The centuries-old problem of disunity with the Church of Christ reminds me of one of our Anglican prayers, which says “we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 4). Of course, the task of fostering unity is not a simple one, nor is it something that can be accomplished by human effort alone. In view of the mountain of complexities that hinder real visible unity within Christ's Church, we must return to our knees in repentance and prayer to the One who can move mountains.

This year's theme for the Week of Christian Unity (January 17-24) was taken from the twenty-fourth chapter of Luke's Gospel, wherein Jesus says, “You are my witnesses to these things” (24:48). These are Christ's parting words before his ascension. They serve as a missionary mandate to the Apostles and the Apostolic community we remain part of today. The specific “things” Jesus has in mind are recorded in the preceding verses: “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (24:46-47). The witness of the Church is grounded in the saving events of Easter and the good news that is to be proclaimed to all people. I must admit a measure of surprise that a missional text was chosen as the theme for a week of prayer that seems more inclined to focus on dialogue between believers rather than with unbelievers. But it is clear that there is a strong connection between ecumenical relations and missionary endeavours. We need to look no further than the High Priestly prayer of John 17, where we find these two matters on the lips of Christ as he prays for his Church “...that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (17:23).

Jesus states what we have learned through experience: Christian disunity is detrimental to the witness of the Church. We have heard it said in the news media or perhaps around our kitchen tables - the disheartening statement of a person's refusal to attend church because it is clear that Christians can't seem to get along with each other. For some, it remains a convenient excuse to not darken the doors of the local church, while others have been genuinely wounded by discord within the household of God. If Jesus holds unity and mission together as vital mandates for his Church, then so must his people.

Movements towards unity happen at many levels. Whether we are talking about ecumenism on a global scale, national scale, or where as they say, “the rubber hits the road,” in our local communities, our focus must be directed toward unity and mission. As many of our congregations struggle for survival in the face of diminishing numbers in pews, and a sense of marginalization in an increasing

secularized world, many are drawn to seek cooperation between congregations, regardless of their denomination. While such conversations and activities can be fruitful, often the focus is on the maintenance of our current practices, without truly wrestling with or engaging the two imperatives that Christ has put before us.

If we are to undertake the practice of unity--reaching out to our brothers and sisters in Christ--then we are to do so with an eye towards the mission to which we are called, reaching out to the unbelieving world with the good news of Christ. If our struggling congregations are to survive, we must ask the difficult question: “why should we keep on meeting in the name of Christ?” Hopefully, in seeking to answer this question, we return to the words of Christ: “You are my witnesses to these things.” We meet because we have a mandate for mission. There are times when we neglect this mandate, which should again return us to our knees in repentance and prayer.

I am continually impressed by the thoughtful wisdom of The Book of Common Prayer in its approach to the ordering of set prayers. The occasional prayers that begin on page 37 are arranged in such a way to express the concerns of Christ just as I have been discussing here.

They begin with prayers for the Universal Church. Second, we are to pray for the unity of all Christian people. Third, we are bid to pray for the extension of the Church. Lastly, before moving on to particularly Anglican concerns, come the prayers for missionary workers and societies. The ordering of the prayers moves the one who prays through the imperatives of the unity and mission of the Church.

Some might argue that a week of prayer once a year is not enough to conquer the mountainous problem of Christian disunity. Of course, it is true that prayer must be accompanied by action even in circumstances when we don't have clear vision of how to establish real visible unity in the Body of Christ. What is clear, though, is that prayer is the place we are to start, because real unity and witness come from the Holy Spirit, as our theme text reminds us: “You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (24:48-49). It is these same Christians we find engaged in prayer on the Day of Pentecost, when the Spirit descends in power and the mission of the Apostles begins and continues today. Bill Hybels, in his book “Too Busy Not to Pray,” comments that too often in prayer, we focus on the mountain of our problems and not on the Mountain Mover.

The focus of our prayers is not to be the problems that divide us, but rather God's faithfulness, power and glory, trusting that he alone can move the mountains that stand in our way. This should give us great encouragement in our prayers as we turn the page on another year, to transform the regrets of the past into hope for the future.

Have a blessed 2010 and may you be blessed in your prayers.

- 5

photo - staff

Ecumenical Conversation: the panellists chat before the open forum session of "Prayer in Our Tradition" at St. Michael's Retreat. (l - r) Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson, Friar Dennis Vavrek ofm, Bishop Cindy Halmarson, Archbishop Daniel Bohan.

Staff LUMSDEN (Qu'A) Bishops of the Anglican, Lutheran and Roman Catholic churches, and a senior Franciscan Friar spoke of prayer in their respective traditions at St. Michael's Retreat on January 21. The three denominations, along with the Francisans, operate the Retreat House, located south of Lumden.

Evangelical Lutheran Bishop Cindy Halmarson began the panel discussion by saying that there are mostly similarities in the three traditions. She quoted Martin Luther who said, "Prayer is the medicine that delivers the remedy of grace to sick and sinful souls. Prayer becomes the very breath of a Christian living under the cross."

Bishop Halmarson said, "The power of prayer doesn't rely on us, but on God's promise to hear us." She led participants through the Lord's Prayer, phrase by phrase, reading an explanation of each phrase from "The Small Catechism" by Martin Luther, who said that the prayer "comes directly from Christ's lips to us."

The next speaker was Friar Dennis Vavrek, ofm, who is the Provincial of Franciscans of Western Canada. He described how St. Francis, who founded their order, originally wondered if he should devote his whole life to prayer, or to ministry in the world. Francisans, said Friar Dennis, focus on the incarnation, centred on the person of Jesus Christ. "The world is our cloister."

Franciscans have been called the original ecologists, because they honour all creation. They believe "the world reveals the goodness of our God." Franciscans also believe that prayer transforms relationships. Following the example of St. Francis, whose life was changed through prayer, they care for the poor, and this work in the community becomes the concrete expression of Christ in the world.

"Through prayer, the world becomes crucified to us," concluded Friar Dennis.

Greg Kerr-Wilson, bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Qu'Appelle, explained how the history of the early Church of England has affected how Anglicans understand prayer. When the Church of England separated from the Roman Catholic church, its national identity was very important. The focus was on "common," that is public, prayer, rather than private prayer. The texts of public prayer were very important to shape people's minds and hearts. These prayers were based on scripture and to a lesser degree on the writings of the Fathers of the early church.

At times in the church's history, to pray extemporaneously in public worship was considered a "horrid" thing, said Bishop Kerr-Wilson. Therefore set prayers were written for all occasions, and the words chosen very carefully to express the church's theology. This practice affected private prayer, and ordinary people would carefully craft their personal, private prayers. The formality of wording was explained by a man of the time, who said that prayer was a moment at the foot of the cross; he did not want to squander that precious time with ill-phrased words.

"When we say the Lord's Prayer, even by ourselves, we say 'our' father, it's not an individual prayer, even when said alone," Bishop Kerr-Wilson pointed out.

"Prayer is one of the few things we are able to do for God," said Bishop KerrWilson, "It is a duty, which is not the same as a requirement; it is due to God." The Anglican church has been shaped by the Book of Common Prayer, but in its more recent history the Oxford movement and Anglo-Catholic movement have resulted in the recovery of other forms of prayer including mysticism, spirituality and charismatic worship.

The final panellist was Roman Catholic Archbishop Daniel Bohan, who said that prayer is God's gift to us. He referred to Psalm 130, "Out of the depths have I called you, O Lord..." and said that everything comes from God, not from the one who offers the prayer. He said that he is often asked to pray for people who think that a bishop's prayer is more valuable than that of a lay person. "That is not what we believe," he explained, "it is a very un-helpful idea."

Over the history of the church, many forms of prayer have been developed blessing, adoration, intercession, petition, thanksgiving and praise. "The Eucharist incorporates them all," said Archbishop Bohan. The Lord's Prayer, he said, is a summary of the whole gospel.

Archbishop Bohan spoke of the role of the Holy Spirit in prayer - the Spirit "intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words." The Holy Spirit, which is the teacher of the church, was poured out on Mary and the apostles at Pentecost.

Archbishop Bohan concluded by explaining the Roman Catholic understanding of praying to the Virgin Mary. He said that at certain times, the veneration of Mary has been excessive, and the church is working to keep Mary in her proper place in the church. He explained that Mary and the saints are considered models of prayer. The saints in heaven can be asked to intercede for us with God, but this is not worshipping them.

Mary, he said, is the ideal disciple. "In Mary, God found full acceptance of His plan, which had been rejected by Adam and Eve." The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) shows her acceptance. When the early church declared that Mary was the Mother of God, it was to confirm the divinity of Christ. When Roman Catholics pray to Mary, said Archbishop Bohan, "we rely on Mary to go to Jesus, and He will do what we pray for."

6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, March, 2010

A Farewell To Bishop Rod In the Saskatoon Deanery

A Celebration of Diversity; St. Mark's, Saskatoon

By Peter Coolen

Photo- - Barb Clay

During the Diversity Service and the singing of “Abundant Life” and before the Eucharist the congregation decorated the St. Mark's altar with coloured streamers

By Barb Clay On Sunday, January 31st, St. Mark's Anglican Church in Saskatoon demonstrated its vision of being an “inclusive” church by holding a service to which GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered) people were warmly invited. Apart from notices going out to the Integrity group and all parishes in the deanery, invitations were also sent to some parishes of the United Church and the office of the Roman Catholic diocese.

The Reverend Karen Sandell and the planning committee for the service (John Allen, Christine Bennett, Lynne and Barb Clay) drew up a form of liturgy which included prayers, readings, story telling and Holy Communion. The musical talents of Ken Bos, Cathy Hartsook and Kendra Kuse were greatly appreciated and added a special dimension to the celebration..

On entering the church (where the rainbow flag was draped and a set of rainbow candles were lit on the altar) people were handed a rainbow coloured paper streamer. Karen gave a warm welcome to the congregation of over 50 people which included our retiring Bishop, Rod Andrews, and said that she had taken ideas for the service from the Iona Community in Scotland.

Alex Sokalski read a passages from 1st Samuel 8; 1 to 5 and 2nd Samuel 1: 25 to 26; this was followed by a contemporary story told by Barb Clay.

Everyone joined in the singing of “Sing a New Church” before Ken Bos and Tom Rogers shared a conversation between Jesus

and Peter. In the conversation, Peter was haltingly trying to pry from Jesus whether it was alright to love someone of the same sex to which Jesus adamantly responded that we were to love one another.Following a modern interpretation of the creed, Rose Rogers led prayers of Intercession in which she prayed for the millions of homosexuals murdered in Nazi Germany; the thousands of GLBT people still suffering imprisonment and death; and for the oppression religious leaders, who serve in the church and cannot come out, feel. The congregation responded with “We pray, O God, for those who liberate from closets.”

Three people then read out the names of well known personalities; all of whom were in the Queer community; and after each grouping the congregation responded with “We celebrate you” At the conclusion of the formal list people were invited to name aloud anyone whose lives they would personally like to celebrate.

During the singing of “Abundant Life”, while the Altar was prepared for Communion, the congregation was invited to come forward with their coloured streamers and decorate the altar with them. Karen invited everyone to come forward, if they so wished, to receive either a blessing or Communion and the musicians offered a duet “You Raise Me Up”.

Following the service everyone was invited to stay for refreshments and conversation in the church hall.

The positive feedback to the event was overwhelming and the members of St. Mark's felt that they had made one more step to becoming an inclusive congregation.

- SASKATOON - The three deaneries for the Diocese of Saskatoon each held a retirement party for Bishop Rodney who retired on the evening of Friday, Feb. 28th. The Saskatoon Deanery held their event as a pot luck in the Christ Church Parish Hall on the evening of January 29th, approximately 80 tickets were sold for the event.

The evening began with a social time and visiting followed by a large, diverse and very well presented pot luck; the meal was followed by dessert, tea and coffee and a “Bishops Roast”. The M.C. for the evening, The Venerable Dan Hughes, Archdeacon of Saskatoon, was introduced and the attendees bid welcome by the Reverend Canon Jim Halmerson; introductory remarks and a brief intro to the bishop's career were given by the Regional Dean of Saskatoon, the Reverend Debbie Ramage. Following this, things warmed up and reminiscences were shared with presentations

by Marjorie Gruber, Allan

Cessna, Megan Lofgren, Doris Patterson and Derek Puncheon.

Cathy Baerg presented Rodney and Jacqueline with a cook book that had been assembled from the recipes that had been submitted by those bringing the many and varied dishes to the pot luck…though as Rod said “as long as I have ham, scalloped potatoes and apple crisp I don't need or want anything else…”.

Bishop Rodney and Jacqueline then spoke of their time in the diocese as bishop and bishop's wife…it had been only six years, but had seemed even shorter due to all the activity, friends developed and experiences including the Tractor Trek, and Rod's becoming a “flying bishop” to travel more quickly to meetings and for services across the width of the diocese. Rod noted that at the time of his election, that he was serving in a parish in Richmond, B.C. and had begun to think that he would be there until his retirement; being elected and coming to Saskatoon as bishop was exciting not just because it was a new challenge but also because, in a

Photo- Peter Coolen

- Bishop Rodney and Jacqueline cut the retirement cake at the Saskatoon Deanery Retirement Dinner held in Christ Church, Saskatoon.

Diocese of Qu'Appelle Lay Retreat The annual silent retreat for lay people will be held April 9 through 11 at St. Michael's Retreat, Lumsden. Rev. Willie Lourens will be the conductor, and Rev. Joyce Hilton will be the chaplain. Both are retired priests of the diocese, with experience in retreats. For more information and to register, please use the on-line registration form at quappelle.anglican.ca, or pick up a brochure at your local parish.

Photo- Peter Coolen

- Bishop Rod and Jacqueline Plante pose with Cathy Baerg (Centre) with the gift bag containing the cookbook of recipes from the pot luck dinner

sense, he was coming home…to the prairies and to the city where he had attended college and were he had many friends and fond memories. Both Rod and Jacqueline expressed thanks for those present for attending and also for those not present as well who had all helped, supported and believed in them and had made their lives in the diocese challenging, fun and fulfilling.

Retirement, for Bishop Rod will not mean leaving all this behind however. He and Jacqueline plan to remain in Saskatoon; Jacqueline will continue her work in education and nursing and Rod is looking forward to beginning to work with “On Eagles Wings” this summer and to perhaps becoming involved in pilot training. `Following the speeches and a short social time a Service of Evening Prayer was conducted, by the Reverend John Seib, in the church above the hall; this bringing the celebrations to a fitting conclusion.

Photo- Peter Coolen

Jacqueline Plante and Bishop rod reminisce of their time in the diocese.

The Saskatchewan Anglican, - March, 2010

7

Bishop Rodney Andrews and Mrs. Jacqueline Plante Visit Companion Diocese of Guyana for Consecration of New Bishop

By Bishop Rodney Andrews “We know who you are. We pray for the Diocese of Saskatoon.”, “Thank you for coming back.” and “Can you take a parcel to my aunt in Toronto?” These are typical comments and questions fielded by Jacqueline and I during a visit to our Companion Diocese of Guyana in early December.

The Diocese of Saskatoon and the Diocese of Guyana have been Companion Dioceses for ten years.

Guyana is located on the north coast of South America. It has about 750,000 citizens. Most people live along the coastline which is flat country. The interior features jungle, large rivers and mountains. For ten years there have been clergy visits, a group of youth from our Diocese traveled to Guyana and our ACW sent two members there in 2007. Two members of the Guyana Mothers' Union returned the visits in 2008. We helped to restore their Diocesan Centre after the devastating flood of 2005, and we have helped two daycare centers to buy needed equipment.

These are just a few of the many ways in which our Companionship has been lived out.

Prior to retirement at age 83, the Right Reverend Randolph George had been Bishop of Guyana. He became bishop in 1975 and was Suffragan (Assistant) Bishop for five years before that. Before our arrival, The House of Bishops of the Province of the West Indies elected the Right Reverend Cornell Moss, an archdeacon and rector of a church in the Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island, to replace Bishop Randolph.

Jacqueline and I were pleased to represent the Diocese of Saskatoon at the consecration and enthronement of Bishop Moss, and to meet his wife Carol. Our trip was sponsored by the Diocese and by the Partnerships program of the Anglican Church of Canada. Our visit enabled us to restore communication with many Guyana Anglicans, to make new connections, and to express appreciation for our partnership.

Our arrival in Guyana felt a bit like coming home. I had visited the Diocese with Dean Terry Wiebe in 2005, and Jacqueline had visited with Mrs. Elaine Hrycenko. However, this was Jacqueline's and my first visit together.

The Rector of the Church of the Transfiguration, Archdeacon Oscar Basil, and members of the parish, met us at the airport. I was pleased to hear that we would be staying at the parish vicarage. I had stayed there five years ago. The mosquito net and the cold showers from rain water collected in the reservoir had not changed! The caretaker of the church, Philip Eckles, and his wife Elsie greeted us. It was wonderful to see them again.

They live below the vicarage in a small apartment and raise a few chickens and vegetables.

We were invited to Barbara's home where we enjoyed an evening with the executive members of the Diocesan Mothers' Union. The full-time worker with the Mothers' Union, Ornetta Dolphin, greeted me with the words “Bishop Rod, thank you for the Tractor Trek”. I told her the thanks is owed to two thousand people who generously supported the Trek.

The Consecration of the new Bishop, who is 50 years old, took place at the massive St. George's Cathedral. The Cathedral is reportedly the largest wooden structure in the Photo-Bshop Rodney Andrews world. It was their first episcoBishop Rodney (Left) with the new Bishop of pal consecration in 39 years and Guyana, The Right Reverend Cornell Moss and about 1,500 people were in Bishop Rodney's wife and Diocesan Patroness, attendance. The excitement Jacqueline Plante (Right). was palpable. The women's hats were large and colorful.

Archdeacon Basil, who is also the Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese, The service lasted three hours and ten asked me to preside and preach at the 7:30 minutes. The music was splendid and a.m. service at the church. People in the included a trumpet fanfare and a West Indies rise early, and the first ser- Caribbean steel pan band. Many parishvices of the day are the best attended. The ioners from the new bishop's former church was full the next morning. It was parish in the Bahamas made the long trip an emotional experience to be back among south for the event. We were happy to friends after so many years. They have meet the Reverend Philip Edwards and his not forgotten the Diocese of Saskatoon. wife Henrietta, who hosted Terry and I at They pray for us Sunday by Sunday as we the Mission Station at Kamarang in the jungle a few years ago. Three of the bishpray for them.

In the evenings we sat on the bal- ops at the service were members of my cony, listened to the crickets and watched Indaba (discussion) group at the Lambeth the traffic on the busy street. Usually Conference at Canterbury, in 2008. We some parishioners caIme to visit and oth- enjoyed recalling memories at the conseers telephoned. Guyanese people are cration reception held on a grassy field warm and welcoming, and they love their with a tent for shelter from the sun. church. Most of them know something Contacts such as these make the Anglican about Canada because large numbers of world seem small. One wonders why we Guyanese have settled in Toronto and have difficulty understanding one another.

During the week the Synod of the area.

The members of the Mothers' Province of the West Indies met. One of Union were excited to see Jacqueline their duties was to choose a new archbishagain and to have her in their midst. I was op. The Bishop of Barbados, the Most fortunate to be able to join tea parties, sup- Reverend John Holder, was elected. pers and tours with the Mothers' Union Diocesan Youth Workers from each diomembers. Barbara Thomas and Zandra cese in the West Indies met with the youth Hafeez returned home from our Diocese of Transfiguration Parish to talk about with many stories, including their descrip- youth work in their dioceses. After the tion of our 2008 Synod where they saw presentation, the young people came to women priests in action. There are no visit Jacqueline and I at the vicarage. A women priests in Guyana but the new living room full of young people was a bishop gave notice of change during his highlight of our visit to Guyana. enthronement address.

Photo-Bshop Rodney Andrews

The retiring The Right Reverend Randolph George, Bishop of Guyana and his wife, Sheila George (Centre Left) with Jacqueline Plante (Centre Right) and Bishop Rodney (Right) outside of St. George's Cathedral, Georgetown, Guyana.

For two days we toured with the wives of bishops from the West Indies. Jacqueline was invited and I tagged along. The women were impressed by the Queenstown and Bourda Day Care Centers, which have been supported by our Diocese. I was moved to see a plaque at the Queenstown Centre, which had been unveiled by Jacqueline on her previous visit; the plaque expresses appreciation for gifts from our Diocese of Saskatoon. We were shown a refrigerator and stove purchased with money from our ACW groups and from the Tractor Trek.

We presented 50 Izzy Dolls, which were knit by Mrs. Ivy Peterson of Hazel Dell in the Lintlaw/Endeavour Parish, to Zandra, who is supervisor of one of the day care centers. The children loved them. I noticed that most of the dolls had white faces. When I apologized, a lady said softly “It's OK Bishop - they are snow dolls!”. I thought this was a wonderful expression of our unity in Christ across colour, climate and nationality.

The new bishop's wife, Mrs. Carol Moss, took part in the tours. We enjoyed her company and her laughter.

She will be a wonderful bishop's wife following in the footsteps of Mrs. Sheila George. She is warm and caring. When she goes into a room, she engages first with the children, then the elderly and does not miss anyone.

We visited Bishop Randolph and Mrs. George in their new retirement home. They send their greetings to the people of our diocese. Bishop Randolph remembers his visit here.

Our final Sunday began early when I presided and preached at the Eucharist at St. Aloysius Church, a church located in open space below a rectory built on stilts.

Following the service, Jacqueline spoke to the members of the Mothers' Union. In the afternoon we attended the Enthronement Service at the Cathedral. The Right Reverend Cornell Moss presented a splendid address outlining his dreams and expectations for the diocese and the clergy. At the conclusion of the service the bishop processed to the doors of the great cathedral where he blessed the city and the diocese.

Thank you to the members of our diocese, and the National Church, who made this companion diocese visit possible. I wish you could see the faces of people who asked us to take their thanks to people in Saskatchewan they have never met. But they have heard of our cold and snow!

Early Monday morning we were surrounded by parishioners as we boarded a bus for the airport. Long after I have forgotten their rooster who woke us up at 4:00 a.m. every day, I will remember Philip and Elsie standing at the gate of the vicarage and waving until we were out of sight. They have very few material possessions but they are people of deep faith I thank God for our and prayer.

Companion Diocese of Guyana. They are entering a new era with Bishop Cornell Moss and Mrs. Carol Moss. Please continue to pray for the Diocese of Guyana.

As you pray, remember that there are people in South America praying for you and for your church and diocese.

8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, March, 2010

What does my church family mean to me, and why is it worthy of my support?

by Dr. Anne Barlow CHRISTOPHER LAKE (Saskatchewan) -The following article contains excerpts from a talk given in December 2009, as part of a Stewardship Program that happened at the Christopher Lake Parish. The full transcript of the talk is available at www.skdiocese.com.

I would say that our nuclear families are a collection of people who by blood, by marriage, and by friendship are brought together by God. In a similar way, I see our church family as a collection of people who mostly by community and friendship are also brought together by God. And both families can bring a lot of joy, and a lot of frustrations and comfort as we navigate through the circumstances of life together. A distinction between a church family and a nuclear family I should mention, however, is that members of a church family have been charged to grow the family. The family isn't supposed to be static, and we're supposed to do our part in finding new members and helping them to graft themselves into the church. I don't need to find myself another aunt or a new cousin, but I do have to help to bring new Christians to Christ.

When I think of why St. Christopher's is worthy of my support, I have to think again of my role in the family of the church. In every family, there are people who are family builders, and there are people who aren't quite so inclined. The family builders are the ones who put together shared events so that the family can celebrate together. They are the people who buy and cook the meal, who share their home, who try to bring joy to family events. They want to share, they want to nurture, they want to see the family grow in harmony and not become simply a collection of people who distantly know one another. I want to be that kind of person in my family. They favourite aunt, the nice cousin, the type of person who gives “inlaw” a good name. There are other people who seem to want to partake in family, but only from a distance.

Their contribution is to show up at family functions, although begrudgingly. They find fault in the menu, they find the children annoying. They want to build divisions and not bridges. I don't want to be that person. In the end, they deprive themselves of joy and blame that on the relatives. Of course, there is the spectrum of attitudes in between, but no matter what end you're on, you're still a part of the family. What proportion of each end your family is made up of, however, seems to be the difference between functional and dysfunctional.

I had little idea of the cost and work involved in the day-to-day operation of a church until I became more involved in it. Similarly, I had little idea of what it took to put on a family function until I organized my wedding. Like a family, most of the work in a church is done by volunteers and the giving all comes from within. If no one steps up to the plate to do things for the family, then not a lot of stuff goes on. So the question then comes that if I'm not willing to count myself in the giving part, both of my time and financially, then who do I expect to do that for me? It seems that in both types of families, those contributions are disproportionate, in that a small number of people seem to take on more of the burden, and thank God for those people. But that doesn't remove me from the personal responsibility. I have to take on at least my fair share of that. And so I give, although knowingly not enough.

In the New Testament of the Bible, we are shown how the early church functioned on the contributions of the members. What they contributed was proportionate to their earnings, and no one was rewarded for how much they gave, yet some were punished for their dishonesty and unfaithfulness in their giving. When I was younger, I used to give to the church with the attitude that I would pay for what I took in hindsight, I think my contribution covered my portion of the electricity bill and the cost of a cup of coffee and a bulletin. In doing so, I was relying on God to take my few loaves and fishes and turn it into a feast for 5000, while I pocketed the rest. Now that I have had the opportunity to learn the realities of giving, I see that God has put the money and the talents into my hands to get things done, and the difficulty is getting the money out of my pocket and me off my butt. A right attitude to stewardship is something that I continue to struggle with because the temptation for me is to give sparingly. It's not easy to sign up on a volunteer sheet and make a serious commitment of my time, because I enjoy my leisure, nor to part with the percent of my income that I know is appropriate, because I look at that money and see instead what I want. But I know what is right, and I want to work at it with God's help.

As I'm getting older, I'm seeing how critical the presence of family is in my life. Perhaps it is in becoming a parent that I see now how much family really means, and how easy it is to take it for granted.

I can also see, as a parent, that my child sees what I do and it affects how she will eventually act and see the world. Already she's mimicking my facial expression, and soon she'll start to mimic my behaviour. If I want her to get to know Christ not only in a book, but in the actions of those around her, I have to be part of the difference that I want her to see. And I want her to grow up in a Christian community where that behaviour is normal. I need to learn to give as well as to take, to encourage as well as to be encouraged, and to be in a right relationship with God and those he has chosen to put into my life, because that's what is right and it's what I want her to do. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this family and for all that you do to make this family function. May God bless us with attitudes to make our family grow and flourish. Amen.

Photo-Bshop Rodney Andrews

The Laying on of Hands by the bishops of the West Indies during the Service of Ordination in St. George's Cathedral, Georgetown, Guyana of the new Bishop of Guyana, The Right Reverend Cornell Moss.

Photo-Bshop Rodney Andrews

The new Bishop of Guyana, The Right Reverend Cornell Moss after the Service of Ordination in St. George's Cathedral, Georgetown, Guyana.

Photo - Bishop Rodney Andrews

Zandra Hafeez and Jacqueline Plante (Left) and Bishop Rod (Right) with the staff and children of the Queenstown Daycare, Guyana.

Photo-Bshop Rodney Andrews

Zandra Hafeez (Center) holding the bag of “Snow Babies” accompanied by and Sharon Harper (Mothers' Union, world training) accompanied by Bishop Rodney and Jacqueline Plante (Left). Sharon Harper holds a cheque for $1000 which represents the residue from the Bishop's Tractor Trek for the Queenstown Daycare.